Recognizing outstanding efforts by volunteers and staff — and discussing the ongoing regional police situation — marked the July 1 meeting of the East Cocalico Township supervisors.

A moment of silence for Robert Roggenburg, former chairman of the township planning Commission who died June 30, started the session.

“I can find references to Bob Roggenburg working on the planning commission going back to 1988,” said Doug Mackley, supervisor chairman.

Supervisors approved sending an official letter to Fritztown Fire Company in the Western Berks Fire Department for generous donations to the police department.

“These volunteers risk their lives for us and we are grateful to them,” supervisors said.

East Cocalico Police Officer Gail Sizer was lauded for her first place win in bench press and setting a new world record at the World Police Games, which hosted police from 49 countries. Sizer will be featured in a future issue of the Ephrata Review about this honor when she returns.

Supervisor Alan Fry commented that recently he heard “Sizer talked someone out of a hostage situation.”

Sizer is a member of the SERT Negotiation Team, and like many other East Cocalico Police, took additional, specialized training in areas of interest.

Supervisors read an official certificate for “outstanding dedication to serving the community” which will be presented to Kenneth G. Sweitzer. He is recognized for 32 years of service on the planning commission and serving as a volunteer firefighter and fire policeman.

Residents are invited to consider planting some of the free trees being made available by the Lancaster County Conservation District. Details are available on the township website at www.eastcocalicotownship.com. Click on the “Greening the Lower Susquehanna” tab on the left. Any questions can be answered by calling the township office at 336-1720. These plantings assist the riparian buffer and help manage storm water run-off.

In other business, Supervisor Noelle Fortna reported on the outcome of an unannounced meeting.

“We met with Denver Borough June 22 in executive session and letters went out for (police) contract prices for 2016,” she said. “Adamstown wanted a number by July 1, 2015 so that went out by e-mail and also by U.S. Mail. We also sent a proposal to West Cocalico Township.” (West Cocalico has not asked for police contract prices for 2016 even though many residents have requested consideration of this action.)

When asked if the Jan. 1, 2016 start date for a regional force is still feasible, Fortna said, “Yes, I think it is.”

The three East Cocalico supervisors and two of the seven Denver Borough council members, plus managers from each municipality, met in unannounced executive sessions on June 1 and June 22 at the East Cocalico municipal building to continue talking about a regional police force. West Cocalico Township and Adamstown Borough previously sent letters stating that they no longer wanted to participate in talks to form a regional force.

Other township board actions included:

* Sending letters of support for Senate Bill 316, concerning the state pension bill and Senate Bill 356, enabling local tax changes.

* Agreeing that the rules stating if a property is within 150 feet of the water line, the property must connect by applying to 165 North Line Road.

* Postponing until the next meeting a vote on the 2015-2016 Winter Traffic Renewal Services Agreement, which grants a one-half percent increase for the state snow-plowing contract with the township. This applies to portions of Smokestown and Muddy Creek roads.